Tao Group Hospitality
Event & Operations Manager - TAO Restaurant Chicago
Tao Group Hospitality, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60601
Event & Operations Manager
Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match Life and Disability Insurance Plans Ancillary Insurance Plans Employee Assistance Program Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources Pet Insurance Employee Discounts TAO Savings Marketplace Time off and much more! We are seeking a highly organized, dynamic, and hospitality-driven Event & Operations Manager to lead the seamless planning and execution of high-impact events within our multi-space venue. From full venue buyouts to large-scale special events, this role is critical in ensuring an exceptional client experience from contract to closeout. The ideal candidate will play a key role in all phases of event coordinationincluding pre-event planning, on-site execution, vendor communication, and post-event follow-upwhile also supporting the sales team with both administrative and client-facing responsibilities. In addition to event oversight, this role is responsible for supervising front-of-house operations, managing team performance, and ensuring service excellence in accordance with company standards. You will engage directly with guests, staff, and leadership in a polished, courteous, and professional manner to deliver warm, gracious hospitality at every touchpoint. Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to: Oversee setup, organization, and execution of large-scale special events across multiple venue spaces (e.g., nightclub buyouts, restaurant buyouts, full venue activations). Serve as the point of contact for internal pre-event logistics: request staffing support (club, restaurant, amenities) from relevant managers. Participate in all client planning calls post-contract, ensuring details, flow, and expectations are clearly defined and communicated. Upsell event enhancements (entertainment, dcor, branding, etc.) to increase revenue. Coordinate and confirm vendors: entertainment, dcor, photo booths, DJs, etc. Update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with run-of-show details, upsells, and cost breakdowns; create internal SEO documentation as needed. Lead site visits and walkthroughs for clients and internal teams. Run day-of or pre-event team handoff meetings to align all departments. Assist with signage, branded materials, and floor plans for events. Close out BEOs in Micros and complete post-event summaries for internal teams. Support off-site events and occasional catering delivery needs when required. Oversee front-of-house operations with a focus on exceptional guest service. Support growth and development of FOH team members. Manage POS overrides, staff performance, and disciplinary actions. Address and resolve guest and team issues promptly and professionally. Reconcile end-of-shift financials and handle inventory/orders for supplies. Demonstrate a deep understanding of food and beverage offerings. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and company policies. Uphold Department of Health and sanitation standards. Lead opening and closing procedures, and communicate clearly with BOH during service. Attend and lead team meetings, training sessions, and pre-shift meetings. Maintain a positive, professional attitude and lead by example. Represent TAO Group Hospitality and our partner brands with professionalism and poise. Sales Support Finalize events in TripleSeat, including closing details and financials. Create and format custom event menus and bookmarks; prepare and print for service teams. Support sales team with planning and coordination of events post-contract (in close collaboration with operations). Assist with lead intake: respond to inquiries, input leads into TripleSeat, assign to sales managers, and log details in internal systems. Maintain TripleSeat with updated menus, picklists, and event imagery. Send out finalized BEOs for weekly planning meetings. Attend tastings, networking events, and client entertainment outings as a representative of the venue. Assist and/or complete additional tasks as assigned Education/working knowledge: Experience in venue-based event production Familiarity with Chicago's hospitality scene or event vendors Experience with VIP client relations or luxury event planning Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Proficient in Windows Microsoft Office, POS systems, Oracle knowledge preferred 21+ years of age Skills / Physical Demands / Work Environment / Schedule: Must have strong problem-solving skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills required Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Must have good positive energy throughout the day Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office Must be able to push and lift up to 25 lbs. Small to medium office environment Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment 5-25% Local Travel (United States) Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment
Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match Life and Disability Insurance Plans Ancillary Insurance Plans Employee Assistance Program Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources Pet Insurance Employee Discounts TAO Savings Marketplace Time off and much more! We are seeking a highly organized, dynamic, and hospitality-driven Event & Operations Manager to lead the seamless planning and execution of high-impact events within our multi-space venue. From full venue buyouts to large-scale special events, this role is critical in ensuring an exceptional client experience from contract to closeout. The ideal candidate will play a key role in all phases of event coordinationincluding pre-event planning, on-site execution, vendor communication, and post-event follow-upwhile also supporting the sales team with both administrative and client-facing responsibilities. In addition to event oversight, this role is responsible for supervising front-of-house operations, managing team performance, and ensuring service excellence in accordance with company standards. You will engage directly with guests, staff, and leadership in a polished, courteous, and professional manner to deliver warm, gracious hospitality at every touchpoint. Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to: Oversee setup, organization, and execution of large-scale special events across multiple venue spaces (e.g., nightclub buyouts, restaurant buyouts, full venue activations). Serve as the point of contact for internal pre-event logistics: request staffing support (club, restaurant, amenities) from relevant managers. Participate in all client planning calls post-contract, ensuring details, flow, and expectations are clearly defined and communicated. Upsell event enhancements (entertainment, dcor, branding, etc.) to increase revenue. Coordinate and confirm vendors: entertainment, dcor, photo booths, DJs, etc. Update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with run-of-show details, upsells, and cost breakdowns; create internal SEO documentation as needed. Lead site visits and walkthroughs for clients and internal teams. Run day-of or pre-event team handoff meetings to align all departments. Assist with signage, branded materials, and floor plans for events. Close out BEOs in Micros and complete post-event summaries for internal teams. Support off-site events and occasional catering delivery needs when required. Oversee front-of-house operations with a focus on exceptional guest service. Support growth and development of FOH team members. Manage POS overrides, staff performance, and disciplinary actions. Address and resolve guest and team issues promptly and professionally. Reconcile end-of-shift financials and handle inventory/orders for supplies. Demonstrate a deep understanding of food and beverage offerings. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and company policies. Uphold Department of Health and sanitation standards. Lead opening and closing procedures, and communicate clearly with BOH during service. Attend and lead team meetings, training sessions, and pre-shift meetings. Maintain a positive, professional attitude and lead by example. Represent TAO Group Hospitality and our partner brands with professionalism and poise. Sales Support Finalize events in TripleSeat, including closing details and financials. Create and format custom event menus and bookmarks; prepare and print for service teams. Support sales team with planning and coordination of events post-contract (in close collaboration with operations). Assist with lead intake: respond to inquiries, input leads into TripleSeat, assign to sales managers, and log details in internal systems. Maintain TripleSeat with updated menus, picklists, and event imagery. Send out finalized BEOs for weekly planning meetings. Attend tastings, networking events, and client entertainment outings as a representative of the venue. Assist and/or complete additional tasks as assigned Education/working knowledge: Experience in venue-based event production Familiarity with Chicago's hospitality scene or event vendors Experience with VIP client relations or luxury event planning Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Proficient in Windows Microsoft Office, POS systems, Oracle knowledge preferred 21+ years of age Skills / Physical Demands / Work Environment / Schedule: Must have strong problem-solving skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills required Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Must have good positive energy throughout the day Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office Must be able to push and lift up to 25 lbs. Small to medium office environment Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment 5-25% Local Travel (United States) Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment